Press Releases

First-Ever Brown County YMCA Hilly Half Marathon Set to Take Place This Weekend

November 8, 2016

On your mark...get set, go! The inaugural Brown County YMCA Hilly Half is slated for this Saturday, November 12 in the breathtaking Brown County State Park. Participants will test their endurance while enjoying the stunning Brown County scenery as they take on the hills in the State Park.

Hoping to highlight the natural beauty of Brown County, while also promoting health, well-being, and creating a true sense of community, the first-ever Hilly Half is one race worth lacing those shoes up for!

Presented by the Brown County YMCA, this unforgettable race will showcase Indiana's largest state park, providing plenty of glimpses of Brown County's jaw-dropping vistas and dense forest. Not for the faint of heart, the Hilly Half will travel along the roadways of the State Park - up, down, and around the area's famed hills.

The Hilly Half's scenic route will start and finish at the Saddle Barn/Lower Shelter, winding its way through the State Park's picturesque landscape. Up hills, past the fire tower, several overlooks, and one last sprint back down the final hill to the finish line, the Hilly Half's challenging course will be well worth the reward!

Kicking off bright and early on Saturday morning, the day’s events will include a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, as well as an awards ceremony and a post-race pizza party, courtesy of Big Woods and Quaff ON! Brewing Company. Participants of all events receive an inaugural Hilly Half finisher medal, free post-race food, and those 21 and over will even take home a souvenir pint beer glass provided by QuaffON! Brewing Company, which will be filled with delicious craft beer of course!

The Hilly excitement will in fact get started the day before the namesake race with the Hilly Half Kid's Fun Run along the Salt Creek Trail on Friday, November 11. The Fun Run, which will take place from 4-6 p.m. is presented by McDonald's and will feature special race starter Ronald McDonald himself! Preschoolers through sixth-graders are welcome to race and can register at the Brown County YMCA the day of the event for $5 per child.

There is even going to be a CARB UP! Pasta Dinner on Friday evening too! Racers and their families are encouraged to indulge in a high-carb meal to gear up for Saturday’s run at Big Woods Pizza in downtown Nashville…live music included! The Pasta Dinner will be held from 5-8 p.m. and will cost $10 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance; all proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Brown County YMCA.